Putin, Abbas hold crucial talks amid escalating Middle East conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin has commenced talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo.

The discussions are attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, senior military officials, and Russia’s envoy to the Palestinian Authority, Gocha Bouachidze, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

On the Palestinian side, key figures include the Minister of Civil Affairs, the head of the General Intelligence Service, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Russia.

The discussions will focus on key issues of bilateral cooperation and the current situation in the Middle East, particularly the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine and the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to significant casualties and hostilities, prompting an Israeli military response known as Operation Iron Swords.

Mahmoud Abbas had announced plans to visit Russia on August 6, intending to discuss international events, align positions on crucial issues, and strengthen bilateral relations. His visit, initially scheduled for November 2023 but postponed, now coincides with heightened regional tensions, further exacerbated by recent killings of key figures from Hezbollah and Hamas, attributed to Israel. The discussions are expected to explore Russia's potential role in resolving the ongoing crisis.